Mass Communications

The Mass Communication major is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge to prepare you for the communication challenges of the twenty-first century. Your education begins with a core of liberal arts courses in media history, law, theory and research. You can also personalize your curriculum from among courses in digital media, journalism, public relations and media studies. This approach allows you the opportunity to discover the area of communication that resonates with your individual talents and professional objectives.

Mass communication majors learn marketable skills such as presentational and public speaking, news writing and reporting, video production and editing, public relations writing and research, computer graphics and design, among others. There are also opportunities for hands-on experience with the award-winning campus newspaper, The Sun, and the university's own community television station, SUTV.

There is a wide range of careers available for trained mass communication professionals. We have alumni employed in the following: newspaper reporting; radio operations; media buying; television sports reporting; newspaper sports reporting; university public relations; arts management; non-profit management; tourism publicity; museum operations; casino promotions; and network television news

Our graduates tell us that what they appreciate most about their undergraduate education at Shenandoah University is the opportunity to combine their communication skills with their personal passions and professional interests. For instance, one of our graduates combines her interest in philanthropy with her background in reporting and works for a non-profit foundation. The value of a liberal arts education in mass communication is easily measured by the explicit achievements and expressed satisfaction of its graduates.